Chapter 85

Leaving the Bai family’s place, Wang Yuan’er felt great. As expected, when she mentioned she wanted to buy tofu in large quantities over a long period, Grandpa Bai agreed without much consideration. He agreed to calculate the tofu by the slab, and Wang Yuan’er would also get a bag of bean dregs every month.

Although it wasn’t as cost-effective as making tofu herself, it saved her a lot of trouble and ensured she could always have tofu on hand. It also freed up her family members to do other tasks without getting too tired.

With this matter settled, Wang Yuan’er felt a huge weight lifted off her shoulders. Now, she just needed to get jars for the fermented bean curd.

There were no pottery workshops or stores specializing in jars in Changle Town. Most households bought jars for pickling vegetables from general stores. So, she needed to go to the capital to buy directly and save some money. The journey to the capital would take at least two or three hours, which was quite troublesome. But to save costs, she had to make the trip.

Wang Yuan’er first went to the general store and told Shopkeeper Zheng her intentions. Madam Zheng, who was nearby, asked, “What don’t we have at our store? Why go to the capital? If you need jars, we can get them for you.”

“Exactly, Yuan’er, the capital is big. Even if I told you where to go, you might get lost,” Shopkeeper Zheng agreed.

Wang Yuan’er felt a bit embarrassed. She didn’t want to say outright that their prices were high, so she awkwardly smiled and said, “It’s not that I don’t want to support your store, Uncle Zheng. It’s just that as a small business, I try to save wherever I can.”

Shopkeeper Zheng thought for a moment and said, “Yuan’er, you don’t need to go to the capital. Just tell me how many jars you need, and I can get them for you at the cost of the travel expense.”

Madam Zheng was about to speak, but Shopkeeper Zheng stopped her with a gesture.

Wang Yuan’er bit her lip, hesitated, and asked, “Would that be too much trouble for you?”

“I’m going to the capital anyway. Once your business is doing well, don’t forget to take care of me,” Shopkeeper Zheng said cheerfully.

After thinking it over, Wang Yuan’er agreed. “Alright, I’ll need jars regularly, so I’ll leave it to you, Uncle. If you can get them for a bit less than before, that would be great.” She knew she couldn’t make all the money by herself. Sharing a little could strengthen ties with the community, which wasn’t a bad thing. At worst, she’d make a bit less profit.

“Deal!”

They agreed, and Wang Yuan’er immediately placed an order for the jar sizes she needed. As she left, Madam Zheng started to complain.

“What are you thinking? Making enough to cover the travel expenses isn’t enough to support our family. I know you have a good heart, but we must make a living.”

“Women have long hair and short insight. Can’t you see further ahead?” Shopkeeper Zheng glanced at her and said, “Look around; which girl in Changle Town has it harder than Yuan’er and her sisters? With their parents gone, she still managed to start a business with marinated eggs, and now she’s expanding with fermented tofu. Don’t you think her future prospects are bright?”

Madam Zheng was speechless.

“I think Yuan’er is destined for great things. If we don’t build a relationship with her now, when will we? You heard her. As long as we sell her the jars at a low price, I can negotiate with the pottery shops in the capital. The price difference will still make us a profit,” Shopkeeper Zheng said with a knowing smile.

Chapter 86

Time flew by, and before she knew it, it was March. While busily making new batches of fermented tofu, Wang Yuan’er turned her attention to the largest restaurant in town, Huifeng Yuan Restaurant.

Huifeng Yuan was located at the center of town, a grand three-story building with elegant eaves and blue-brick roofs. It was said to be owned by a prominent family from the capital, so the managers there were very astute, almost haughty.

Huifeng Yuan had earned its reputation as the best restaurant in Changle Town, with top-notch dishes that people praised. The most expensive banquet reportedly cost eight taels of silver and must be booked in advance.

When Wang Yuan’er arrived at Huifeng Yuan, it was almost noon. The restaurant’s servers, with cloth towels on their shoulders, were enthusiastically greeting customers at the entrance.

“Welcome, how many people? Please come in.”

“Ah, Mr. Wu, you’re here again, please come in.”

“Table number two, one order of Dongpo Pork, one order of stir-fried vegetables.”

Similar phrases were heard everywhere. Wang Yuan’er looked up at the prominent sign with the three characters “Huifeng Yuan” and patted the bundle at her side before stepping forward.

“Hello, miss. How many of you?” A young waiter greeted her with a smile.

Feeling a bit nervous, as this was her first time in such an upscale place, Wang Yuan’er shyly looked towards the counter inside and said, “I, I need to speak with your manager.”

The waiter was momentarily surprised but quickly smiled. “Sure, this way, miss.”

Wang Yuan’er followed him into the main hall. The first floor was spacious, with a dozen tables, most of which were already occupied, creating a lively atmosphere.

“Please wait here, miss. Our manager is currently attending to guests.” The waiter brought her a pot of tea.

“Thank you!” Wang Yuan’er quickly stood up and thanked him, silently marveling at Huifeng Yuan’s excellent service. No matter what her business was, the waiter’s attitude was impeccable. She glanced at the jar wrapped in blue cloth on the table and smiled, feeling optimistic about her visit.

After drinking two pots of tea, Wang Yuaner’s stomach was full when the manager of Huifeng Yuan finally arrived.

“I heard you were looking for me.” Manager Yu glanced curiously at the young woman in plain clothes with braids before him.

Wang Yuan’er stood up, clasped her hands, took a deep breath, and smiled. “Yes, my surname is Wang. I’m here today to discuss a business proposition with you.”

“Business?” Manager Yu raised an eyebrow, glanced at her plain clothes, and said, “Miss Wang, our Huifeng Yuan sources all its chicken, duck, fish, meat, and vegetables from our own farms. You don’t need to come here.”

He had mistaken Wang Yuan’er for someone selling food ingredients.

“Wait, please,” Wang Yuan’er quickly unwrapped the bundle, revealing the small jar inside, and said, “I’m not here to sell those. I’m selling a sauce.”

Manager Yu looked at her again.

“This is a homemade condiment, fermented tofu. Whether eaten with rice, used as a seasoning for stir-fried water spinach, braised meat, or winter lamb hotpot, it’s top-notch flavor.” Wang Yuan’er handed over the jar. “This is my gift to you as a sign of sincerity. If you don’t believe me, have your chef cook with it and taste it.”

Manager Yu took the jar, opened the lid, and was about to say something when a waiter rushed over and said, “Manager, please come to the VIP room. The guest there is losing his temper!”